Umar says captaincy not new for him

LAHORE - Test cricketer Umar Akmal has said that he always try to stay away from controversies which always follow him like a shadow. Sharing his views in the Waqt Tv programme “Game Beat”, Umar said: “I have tightened my schedule to stay away from controversies and try to spend most of my time in playing cricket or other positive activities.” Speaking about captaincy, he said: “Yes, captaincy is a great honour and for me, it’s not new as I have been leading the teams at domestic level. If I am handed over this responsibility, I will prove it through my performance and try to create harmony among all the team members as unity is a key to success.” Talking about club cricket, Umar stated: “It’s a habit of all of us (Akmal brothers) to play for our club as club cricket helps every player to regain his lost form and it’s also the best nursery for the youngsters. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must promote club cricket and the cricket associations should also prefer club cricket promotion to politics.” He said that he never wanted to lose his wicket for meager scores but he always wanted to help the country scoring crucial victories for it. “My wicket-keeping is more useful for the country than me as when I take this responsibility, it gives a chance to an extra bowler or batsman. However, whenever and wherever my services are required, I will be ready to serve,” Umar concluded.